DUDY PASSING – Tributes pour in for ‘friend and mentor’ Dieter Dudy

Tributes have been pouring in today for former Kamloops City councillor Dieter Dudy, who died during the long weekend.

In addition to statements from community leaders, many others who knew him or knew of him are expressing shock and sadness at the news.

Both Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson and Coun. Kelly Hall, the deputy mayor this month, offered condolences early today as reported here on the ArmchairMayor.ca. Those have been followed with official statements from City Hall as well as the TNRD, and from residents commenting on social media.

Flags at City Hall and the TNRD civic building will be lowered in Dudy’s honour.

City Hall released this statement:

Kamloops City Council is saddened to learn of the passing of former Councillor Dieter Dudy and extends its sincere condolences to Dieter’s family, friends, former colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched through his public service and community involvement.

Dieter served on Kamloops City Council for two terms (2014–2022), bringing a thoughtful and community-minded perspective to decisions that helped shape Kamloops. His commitment to the community extended well beyond elected office. Before, during, and after his time on Council, he remained actively involved in agriculture, helping to develop the next generation of farmers, chefs, and community builders. He was also involved with several local non-profit organizations and the Kamloops Farmers’ Market, and he often invited local businesses to Thistle Farm for team-building workshops and events like Harvestfest.

Dieter will be remembered for his steady and principled approach to civic leadership, his respect for differing perspectives, and his deep commitment to the community he served. His contributions to Council and to community life will leave a lasting legacy in Kamloops.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District extended condolences on the death of Dudy, who served eight years as a Kamloops director on the regional board:

Dieter is remembered fondly as a regular at local farmers’ markets and was known as the operator of Thistle Farm organic vegetable farm north of Westsyde since 1998. He volunteered much of his time, including work with the Tourism Kamloops board, Rotary Club of Kamloops and Community Futures.

As an elected official serving on the TNRD Board between 2014 and 2022, Dieter served with a measured and thoughtful approach to leadership of his constituents, and he was a friend and mentor to many colleagues on the Board of Directors. His thoughtful leadership, sound judgment, and a deep commitment to his community have had a positive and lasting benefit to the entire Thompson-Nicola region.

The TNRD sends its condolences to Dieter’s two children, his family, friends, and colleagues. Dieter’s wife Debbie Kellogg passed in 2020.

Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar posted on X: “I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Dieter Dudy, a good friend and a man who gave so much to this community. Many will remember Dieter as the founder of Thistle Farms, where his commitment to organic farming reflected the same care and integrity he brought to everything he did. Dieter and I first came to know each other as competitors when he ran against me for Mayor of Kamloops in 2011, but that race became the start of a genuine friendship and working partnership over the years that followed. My thoughts are with his family and everyone who knew and loved him. Kamloops has lost a dedicated community builder, and I’ve lost a good friend.”

Community Futures Thompson Country stated:

“We are deeply saddened to acknowledge the passing of Dieter Dudy over the weekend. Dieter served our organization with distinction as the current Vice President of the Board of Directors and previously as Board President, providing thoughtful leadership, sound judgment, and a deep commitment to our community.

“On behalf of our Board of Directors and staff, we extend our sincere condolences to Dieter’s family, friends, and all those he touched. His dedication to community and public service leaves a lasting legacy, and he will be greatly missed.”

A brief sampling of social media comments from others in the community:

Caroline King, a previous City council candidate, said Dudy was “truly one of the kindest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.”

“Dieter was a kind and supportive individual,” wrote Tricia Thorpe, a TNRD director. “He will be missed. Condolences to his family, and to all those whose lives he touched. RIP.”

“This is super sad news,” one resident posted on social media. “Thanks Dieter for all your good work and great veggiesl”

“Devastating. Major loss for the community,” wrote another. “I was hoping he was going to announce last minute that he would be running for Council this week.”

Bonnie Pryce: “My dear friend I have a huge hole in my heart. You have left way too soon. Your generous spirit, your intelligence, your kindness, your cooking and especially your bear hugs will be missed. You gave so much to so many and cared so much for your family, your friends and this community. So many wonderful memories.”